Attachable smartphone camera

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that generally involve a camera system including a high-quality lens which is selectively attachable to a mobile device, effectively replacing the mobile device&#39;s integral lens. The attachable camera system can leverage existing features of the mobile device, such as the display, battery, storage, and sharing functions, allowing the camera system itself to be a relatively simple, lightweight, portable, and inexpensive device. The ability to selectively attach and detach the camera system from the mobile device allows the camera system to be removed when it is desired to maintain the mobile device&#39;s favorable weight, size, and ergonomic characteristics. When high quality image or video capture or increased camera flexibility and functionality is desired, the camera system can be attached to the mobile device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/248,745, filed on Apr. 9, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/809,922 filed on Apr. 9, 2013, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to systems and methods for digitallycapturing image data.

BACKGROUND

Photo and video capture functions are some of the most-often usedfeatures of mobile devices such as smartphones. Modern mobile devicesare equipped with integrated high resolution cameras, which enable usersto capture images and share them easily with other users over theinternet. The images produced by such cameras can be of relatively highquality when captured in a well-illuminated environment. Image qualitysuffers, however, when lighting is not optimal. In addition, the smallfixed lenses with small apertures typical of mobile devices limit thequality of captured images and the creativity of the user. In the end,the capabilities of mobile device cameras are lacking as compared withdedicated digital cameras.

Dedicated digital cameras (e.g., compact point-and-shoot cameras anddigital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras) are capable of taking highquality images in varying lighting conditions and can be outfitted witha wide range of fixed and movable lenses. These cameras, however, lackthe portability and convenience of typical mobile devices, and are notwell equipped for sharing images via email, text message, social media,and so forth.

Accordingly, a need exists for a system with the portability,convenience, and connectivity of a mobile device and the image quality,flexibility, and performance of a dedicated digital camera.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that generally involve a camerasystem including a high-quality lens which is selectively attachable toa mobile device, effectively replacing the mobile device's integrallens. The attachable camera system can leverage existing features of themobile device, such as the display, battery, storage, and sharingfunctions, allowing the camera system itself to be a relatively simple,lightweight, portable, and inexpensive device. The ability toselectively attach and detach the camera system from the mobile deviceallows the camera system to be removed when it is desired to maintainthe mobile device's favorable weight, size, and ergonomiccharacteristics. When high quality image or video capture or increasedcamera flexibility and functionality is desired, the camera system canbe attached to the mobile device.

In some embodiments, a camera system includes a camera housing, a lensmounted in the housing and configured to direct light onto an imagesensor disposed within the housing, and a mobile device connectorconfigured to mechanically and electrically couple the camera system toa mobile device. In some embodiments, the camera system does not includea user interface. In some embodiments, the camera system does notinclude a power source and is instead configured to receive powerthrough the connector from a mobile device when the camera system iscoupled to the mobile device. In some embodiments, the camera systemdoes not include a storage medium and is instead configured to transmitcaptured image data through the connector to a mobile device for storageon the mobile device when the camera system is coupled to the mobiledevice. In some embodiments, the camera system does not include ashutter button or a display screen. The connector can include at leastone of a micro-USB connector, a mini-USB connector, an Apple® 30-pinconnector, an Apple® Lightning port connector, and a jack connector. Theimage sensor can have a resolution of at least about 10 megapixels. Thelens can have an adjustable focal length. The lens can be positionablein at least a fully-retracted position and a fully-extended position.The lens can include a mechanical shutter. The housing can have a lengthof less than about six centimeters, a width of less than about sixcentimeters, and a depth of less than about two centimeters. The systemcan include an external flash connector and an external flash configuredto be electrically and mechanically coupled to the camera housing by theexternal flash connector. The external flash connector can be disposedalong an edge of the camera housing that is opposite from an edge of thecamera housing along which the mobile device connector is disposed. Theexternal flash connector can be disposed along an edge of the camerahousing that is adjacent to an edge of the camera housing along whichthe mobile device connector is disposed. The system can include a cradleconfigured to receive at least a portion of a mobile device. The cradlecan include a base and four sidewalls that define a recess which is asubstantial negative of at least a portion of a mobile device. Thecradle can be configured to receive at least a portion of a mobiledevice in an interference fit. The cradle can be formed from anelastomeric material. The system can include a platform formed on orattached to the camera housing and configured to abut a sidewall of amobile device when the camera system is coupled to the mobile device.The platform can include one or more connection features configured tomechanically couple the camera system to a mobile device. The connectionfeatures can include at least one of a magnet, a hook, a strap, and ascrew.

In some embodiments, a method of capturing image data includes couplinga camera system having a camera housing, a lens, an image sensor, and nouser interface to a mobile device having a processor, a display screen,and an input device, the camera system being external to a housing ofthe mobile device. The method can include launching a camera applicationon the mobile device to display on the display screen a control foradjusting a parameter of the camera system and a viewfinder comprising areal-time stream of images received by the image sensor through thelens. The method can include actuating the control using the inputdevice of the mobile device to cause the processor of the mobile deviceto send an instruction to the camera system to adjust the parameter. Themethod can include actuating a shutter control of the mobile device tocause the processor of the mobile device to send an instruction to thecamera system to perform an image capture operation, said image captureoperation comprising generating image data using the image sensor of thecamera system and transmitting the generated image data to the mobiledevice for storage or processing. The parameter can include at least oneof shutter speed, aperture size, zoom, focus, and flash setting. Theimage data can include at least one of still image data, video imagedata, and video audio data captured by a microphone.

In some embodiments, a method of capturing image data using a camerasystem coupled to a mobile device is provided, the camera system beingexternal to a housing of the mobile device and having a camera housing,a lens, an image sensor, a lens controller, a connector, and no userinterface, the mobile device having a processor, a display screen, andan input device. The method can include, using the processor of themobile device, executing a camera application to display on the displayscreen of the mobile device one or more controls for adjustingparameters of the camera system. The method can include, using theprocessor of the mobile device, executing the camera application todisplay on the display screen of the mobile device a real-time stream ofimages captured by the image sensor through the lens and transmitted tothe mobile device through the connector such that the display screenacts as a viewfinder for the camera system. The method can includereceiving, via the input device, a user instruction to adjust aparameter of the camera system and sending an instruction to adjust theparameter of the camera system from the processor to the lens controllervia the connector. The method can include receiving, via the inputdevice, a user instruction to perform an image capture operation andsending an instruction to perform an image capture operation from theprocessor to the lens controller via the connector. The method caninclude receiving, at the processor of the mobile device, image datacaptured through the lens by the image sensor of the camera system, andstoring the received image data in a storage unit of the mobile device.The image data can include at least one of still image data, video imagedata, and video audio data captured by a microphone. The display screencan be a touch-enabled display and the input device can include a touchsensor of the touch-enabled display.

In some embodiments, a method of capturing image data using a camerasystem attached to a mobile device is provided, the camera system beingexternal to a housing of the mobile device and having a camera housing,a lens, an image sensor, a processor, a connector, and no userinterface, the mobile device having a display screen. The method caninclude receiving, at the processor of the camera system, an instructionfrom the attached mobile device to adjust a parameter of the camerasystem. The method can include, in response to said instruction,adjusting the parameter of the camera system. The method can includetransmitting a real-time feed of images captured through the lens by theimage sensor to the attached mobile device for display as a viewfinderon the display screen of the mobile device. The method can includereceiving, at the processor of the camera system, an instruction fromthe attached mobile device to perform an image capture operation. Themethod can include, in response to said instruction, performing an imagecapture operation using the lens and the image sensor. The method caninclude transmitting to the attached mobile device, via the connector,image data captured through the lens by the image sensor during theimage capture operation. The image data can include at least one ofstill image data, video image data, and video audio data captured by amicrophone. The parameter can include at least one of shutter speed,aperture size, zoom, focus, and flash setting.

The present invention further provides devices, systems, and methods asclaimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a camera system coupled to a mobile device;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the camera system and mobile device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the camera system and mobiledevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the camera system of FIG. 1 with the lens in aretracted position;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the camera system of FIG. 1 with the lens inan extended position;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a camera system with a male connector,shown with the lens in an extended configuration;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the camera system of FIG. 5A, shownwith the lens in a retracted configuration;

FIG. 5C is a front view of the camera system of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a rear view of the camera system of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a camera system with a femaleconnector, shown with the lens in an extended configuration;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the camera system of FIG. 6A, shownwith the lens in a retracted configuration;

FIG. 6C is a front view of the camera system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is a rear view of the camera system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a camera system with a male jackconnector, shown with the lens in an extended configuration;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a camera system with a female jackconnector, shown with the lens in a retracted configuration;

FIG. 8A is a front view of a camera system with an external flashaccessory;

FIG. 8B is a front view of another camera system with an external flashaccessory;

FIG. 9A is a front view of a camera system with a mobile device cradle;

FIG. 9B is a rear view of the camera system of FIG. 9A coupled to amobile device;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the camera system of FIG. 9A coupled toa mobile device;

FIG. 9D is a front view of the mobile device cradle of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9E is a perspective view of the mobile device cradle of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a front view of a camera system with a mobile deviceplatform;

FIG. 10B is a rear view of the camera system of FIG. 10A coupled to amobile device;

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the camera system of FIG. 10A coupledto a mobile device;

FIG. 10D is a front view of the mobile device platform of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10E is a perspective view of the mobile device platform of FIG.10A;

FIG. 11A is a schematic view of a user interface with a cameraapplication icon being selected by a user;

FIG. 11B is a schematic view of the user interface of FIG. 11A with azoom control button being selected by a user;

FIG. 11C is a schematic view of the user interface of FIG. 11A with azoom control slider being actuated by a user;

FIG. 11D is a schematic view of the user interface of FIG. 11A with anaperture control button being selected by a user;

FIG. 11E is a schematic view of the user interface of FIG. 11A with anaperture control slider being actuated by a user;

FIG. 11F is a schematic view of the user interface of FIG. 11A with ashutter control button being selected by a user

FIG. 11G is a schematic view of the user interface of FIG. 11A with ashutter control slider being actuated by a user;

FIG. 11H is a schematic view of the user interface of FIG. 11A with ashutter button being actuated by a user; and

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of one exemplary method of capturing image data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that generally involve a camerasystem including a high-quality lens which is selectively attachable toa mobile device, effectively replacing the mobile device's integrallens. The attachable camera system can leverage existing features of themobile device, such as the display, battery, storage, and sharingfunctions, allowing the camera system itself to be a relatively simple,lightweight, portable, and inexpensive device. The ability toselectively attach and detach the camera system from the mobile deviceallows the camera system to be removed when it is desired to maintainthe mobile device's favorable weight, size, and ergonomiccharacteristics. When high quality image or video capture or increasedcamera flexibility and functionality is desired, the camera system canbe attached to the mobile device. The systems and methods disclosedherein can thus allow a user to avoid having to carry both a mobiledevice and a dedicated digital camera. Instead, the user can capturehigh quality photos and videos using just their mobile device and alightweight, portable camera system.

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the methods, systems, and devices disclosedherein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that themethods, systems, and devices specifically described herein andillustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplaryembodiments and that the scope of the present invention is definedsolely by the claims. The features illustrated or described inconnection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with thefeatures of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations areintended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a camera system 100 thatis configured for use with a mobile device 102. The mobile device 102can be any of a variety of well-known devices, including cell phones,smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, hand-held computers,personal computers, music players, and the like. In the illustratedembodiment, the mobile device 102 is a smart phone that includes atouch-enabled display 104, one or more hardware buttons 106, anintegrated flash 108, a peripheral interface 110, and a housing 112.

The camera system 100 generally includes a housing 114 in which a lens116 is mounted. The housing 114 and the other components of the camerasystem 100 are external to the housing of the mobile device 102. Thecamera system 100 also includes a mobile device interface 118 throughwhich the camera system can communicate with the mobile device 102.Notably, the illustrated camera system 100 does not include variousfeatures which are typical of a dedicated digital camera, such as adisplay screen, shutter button, control pad, or other user interface.Instead, the user interface is implemented by the mobile device 102. Thecamera system 100 is controlled by the mobile device 102, and cantransmit captured images and video to the mobile device 102 forprocessing, storage, sharing, etc. The illustrated camera system 100thus provides a simple, compact, lightweight, and inexpensive solutionthat significantly improves the photographic capabilities of the mobiledevice 102.

The camera system 100 and the mobile device 102 are illustrated in moredetail in the schematic block diagram shown in FIG. 3. The illustratedmobile device 102 includes a processor 120 which controls the operationof the mobile device, for example by executing an operating system (OS),device drivers, application programs, and so forth. The processor 120can include any type of microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU),including programmable general-purpose or special-purposemicroprocessors and/or any of a variety of proprietary orcommercially-available single or multi-processor systems. The mobiledevice 102 also includes a memory 122, which provides temporary orpermanent storage for code to be executed by the processor 120 or fordata that is processed by the processor. The memory 122 can includeread-only memory (ROM), flash memory, one or more varieties of randomaccess memory (RAM), and/or a combination of memory technologies. Thevarious elements of the mobile device 102 are coupled to a bus system124. The illustrated bus system 124 is an abstraction that representsany one or more separate physical busses, communicationlines/interfaces, and/or multi-drop or point-to-point connections,connected by appropriate bridges, adapters, and/or controllers.

The mobile device 102 also includes a storage device 126, a battery orother power source 128, a network interface 130, one or more hardwarebuttons 106, a touch-enabled electronic display 104, a microphone 132, aflash 108, and a peripheral interface 110.

The storage device 126 can include any conventional medium for storingdata in a non-volatile and/or non-transient manner. The storage device126 can thus hold data and/or instructions in a persistent state (i.e.,the value is retained despite interruption of power to the mobile device200). The storage device 126 can include one or more hard disk drives,flash memories, USB drives, optical drives, various media disks orcards, and/or any combination thereof and can be directly connected tothe other components of the mobile device 102 or remotely connectedthereto, such as over a network. The battery 128 provides operatingpower for the mobile device 102 and, optionally, for the camera system100 as discussed further below. The network interface 130 enables themobile device 102 to communicate with remote devices (e.g., computersystems or other mobile devices) over a network. Exemplary networkinterfaces include cellular voice and/or data network transceivers, aswell as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and IR transceivers. The hardware buttons106 can be actuated by a user to provide input or otherwise interactwith the mobile device 102. The touch-enabled electronic display 104displays images, including a graphical user interface, in accordancewith instructions received from the processor 120. The display 104 canalso receive user inputs to allow the user to interact with the mobiledevice 102. The microphone 132 receives and converts acoustic energyinto electronic signals for processing and/or storage by the mobiledevice 102. The flash 108 is a light source (e.g., one or more LEDs orincandescent bulbs) that can be actuated by the processor 120 toilluminate a scene in connection with photo or video capture. Theperipheral interface 110 facilitates battery charging and communicationbetween the mobile device 102 and various input or output devicesoperatively coupled thereto, including the camera system 100. Theperipheral interface 110 can be a wireless or wired connection withappropriate buffers, amplifiers, and so forth. In the case of a wiredconnection, the peripheral interface 110 can include a physicalconnector with one or more electrical contacts. Exemplary connectorsinclude micro-USB, mini-USB, Apple® 30-pin, Apple® Lightning port, andstereo, mono, or multi-conductor “headphone” or “jack” connectors.

It will be appreciated that the illustrated mobile device 102 is merelyexemplary, and that the mobile device can include fewer or morecomponents that what is shown and described herein.

The illustrated camera system 100 includes a housing 114, a lens 116, animage sensor 134, a processor or lens controller 136, and a mobiledevice interface 118. The various elements of the camera system 100 arecoupled to a bus system 138. The illustrated bus system 138 is anabstraction that represents any one or more separate physical busses,communication lines/interfaces, and/or multi-drop or point-to-pointconnections, connected by appropriate bridges, adapters, and/orcontrollers.

The housing 114 can be formed from metal (e.g., a lightweight alloy),plastic, or any other material or combination of materials. The size ofthe housing 114 can be selected based on various parameters, such as thesize of the lens 116 or based on the size of the mobile device(s) 102with which the camera system 100 is designed to operate. In someembodiments, the housing 114 can have a width approximately equal to thewidth of the mobile device 102, a length approximately equal to saidwidth, and a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of themobile device. In some embodiments, the camera system 100 can beslightly thicker than the mobile device 102 to accommodate a largerlens. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 114 can have a length ofless than about six centimeters, a width of less than about sixcentimeters, and a thickness of less than about two centimeters. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the housing 114 can have a length of aboutone centimeter greater than the external diameter of the lens 116 and awidth of about one centimeter greater than the external diameter of thelens. In some embodiments, the camera system 100 can be relativelylightweight. For example, the camera system 100 can weigh less thanabout 150 grams.

The lens 116 includes one or more optical elements configured to directlight onto the image sensor 134. The lens 116 can be partially or fullyretractable, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. In particular, the lens 116 can bepositionable in a first, fully-retracted position (shown in FIG. 4A) inwhich the lens is partially or fully retracted into the housing 114. Thelens 116 can also be positionable in a second, fully-extended position(shown in FIG. 4B) in which the lens at least partially extends out ofthe housing 114. The lens 116 can also be positionable in any of avariety of positions between said first and second positions. The lens116 can be configured to automatically transition to the first positionwhen the camera system 100 is disconnected from the mobile device 102.To that end, the camera system 100 can include a capacitor or battery toprovide power for retracting the lens 116 when the camera system isdisconnected from the mobile device 102. The lens 116 can also beconfigured to automatically transition to the second position when thecamera system 100 is connected to the mobile device 102. In someembodiments, the lens 116 is a telescoping lens.

The lens 116 can have a fixed focal length or an adjustable focallength. For example, the lens can have a fixed focal length of 12 mm, 35mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, or any other value, or a focal length that isadjustable between 55 mm and 200 mm, between 18 mm and 200 mm, between75 mm and 300 mm, between 12 mm and 1200 mm, or any other range. In someembodiments, the lens can be adjusted to a focal length of at least 35mm, and preferably at least 70 mm, and preferably at least 150 mm. Thelens 116 can include manual or automatic zoom functionality. The lens116 can include one or more motors, actuators, gears, etc. for adjustingthe focal length, aperture size, shutter speed, and other parameters ofthe lens. The lens 116 can include a mechanical shutter. In someembodiments, the housing 114 can include a modular lens receiver suchthat a user can attach any of a variety of lenses to the camera system100. Exemplary lenses 116 include prime lenses, normal lenses,wide-angle lenses, fisheye lenses, telephoto lenses, zoom lenses,anamorphic lenses, catadioptric lenses, lenses of varying focal lengthsor varying ranges of focal lengths, etc. In some embodiments, the lens116 can have high speed autofocus. The lens 116 can have an adjustableaperture (e.g., f/1.4, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, etc.) and anadjustable shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000 s, 1/500 s, 1/250 s, 1/125 s,1/60 s, 1/30 s, 1/15 s, ⅛ s, ¼ s, ½ s, 1 s, etc.). In some embodiments,the lens can be adjusted to an aperture of at least f/4, and preferablyat least f/2.8, and preferably at least f/1.4.

The image sensor 134 can be or can include any of a variety of knowndevices configured to convert an optical image into an electronicsignal. Exemplary image sensors 134 include charge-coupled devices (CCD)and active pixel sensors in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor(CMOS) and N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) technologies. In someembodiments, the image sensor 134 has a resolution of at least about 10megapixels. The image sensor 134 can be configured to capture full colorstill and video images. In some embodiments, the image sensor 134 isconfigured to capture full 1080p high definition video. In someembodiments, the image sensor 134 is a full-frame image sensor.

The lens controller or processor 136 is configured to adjust variousparameters of the lens 116 and/or image sensor 134 based on commandsreceived from the mobile device 102. The lens controller 136 can adjustthe focal length, aperture size, shutter speed, and so forth of the lens116.

The mobile device interface 118 facilitates communication between thecamera system 100 and the mobile device 102. The mobile device interface118 can be a wireless or wired connection with appropriate buffers,amplifiers, and so forth. In the case of a wired connection, the mobiledevice interface 118 can include a physical connector with one or moreelectrical contacts. The physical connector can electrically andmechanically couple the camera system 100 to the mobile device 102.Exemplary connectors include micro-USB, mini-USB, Apple® 30-pin, Apple®Lightning port, and stereo, mono, or multi-conductor “headphone” or“jack” connectors. Other exemplary connectors include forthcominginternationally standardized universal connectors for mobile devices. Insome embodiments, the connector can be complementary to the connectortype used in the mobile device 102. In other words, when the peripheralinterface 110 of the mobile device 102 includes a female connector, themobile device interface 118 of the camera system 100 can include a maleconnector and vice versa. In other embodiments, the mobile device 102and the camera system 100 can include matching connector types (e.g.,male and male or female and female), in which case an intermediate cord,dongle, or adapter can be included to couple the mobile device 102 tothe camera system 100. The mobile device and peripheral interfaces 118,110 can provide power and data connections between the camera system 100and the mobile device 102. Accordingly, the camera system 100 can bepowered by the mobile device 102, can receive control instructions fromthe mobile device, and can send captured image, video, and/or audio datato the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the connector can be rotatable about one or moreaxes relative to the housing 114 such that the lens 116 can be aimed inany of a variety of directions when the camera system 100 is coupled tothe mobile device 102. For example, the lens 116 can be aimed in adirection that is opposite the direction in which the display 106 facesas shown in the drawings, or the connector can be rotated such that thelens 116 is aimed in the same direction that the display faces. Theconnector can also be rotated to aim the lens 116 in any other directionrelative to the mobile device 102 (e.g., up, down, left, right, etc.).

In some embodiments, the connector can be coupled to the mobile device102 in multiple orientations. For example, the camera system 100 can beconnected to the mobile device 102 such that the lens faces forward asshown, or can be connected in an opposite orientation such that the lensinstead faces rearward. A user can thus quickly change between afront-facing lens and a rear-facing lens (or vice versa) simply bydisconnecting the camera system, rotating it 180 degrees, andreattaching it to the mobile device 102.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a camera system 500with a male lightning port connector 518 that protrudes from the housing514 and is configured to mate with a corresponding female lightning portof a mobile device. The camera system 500 is shown with the lens 516extended in FIG. 5A and retracted in FIG. 5B. FIGS. 5C and 5D illustratefront and rear views, respectively, of the camera system 500 of FIGS. 5Aand 5B.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a camera system 600with a female lightning port connector 618 that is recessed into thehousing 614. The female connector 618 of the camera system 600 can beconfigured to mate with a corresponding female lightning port of amobile device via an intermediate male-male adapter cable or plug (notshown). The camera system 600 is shown with the lens 616 extended inFIG. 6A and retracted in FIG. 6B. FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate front andrear views, respectively, of the camera system 600 of FIGS. 6A and 6B.In some embodiments, the camera system can include a female connector toallow the camera system to couple with a mobile device having a maleconnector. The camera system can also be supplied with a male-maleadapter to allow the camera system to also couple with a mobile devicehaving a female connector.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a camera system 700 witha male jack connector 718. The male connector 718 of the camera system700 can be configured to mate with a corresponding female jack connectorof the mobile device.

FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a camera system 700′ witha female jack connector 718′. The female connector 718′ of the camerasystem 700′ can be configured to mate with a female jack connector ofthe mobile device via an intermediate male-male adapter cable or plug740.

Referring again to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, power issupplied to the camera system 100 by the battery 128 of the mobiledevice 102 through an electrical connection between the mobile deviceinterface 118 and the peripheral interface 110. In some embodiments,instead of or in addition to receiving power from the mobile device 102,the camera system 100 can include an on-board battery or other powersource. The battery of the camera system 100 can be rechargeable and canbe charged by the battery 128 of the mobile device 102 and/or by anaccessory charger similar or identical to that used to charge the mobiledevice battery. In embodiments in which the camera system 100 includesits own battery, the camera system can be configured to use the internalbattery initially and to switch to the mobile device battery when theinternal battery is depleted.

In the illustrated embodiment, images captured by the image sensor 134are communicated to the mobile device 102 via the mobile deviceinterface 118 for processing by the mobile device's processor 120 andstorage in the mobile device's storage unit 126. In some embodiments,instead of or in addition to using the mobile device's processor 120 andstorage 126, the camera system 100 can include on-board processingand/or storage functions. For example, the camera system's processor 136can be configured to perform image processing operations on raw imagedata captured by the image sensor 134. The camera system 100 can alsoinclude a storage unit (e.g., a removable or embedded memory or mediacard) for storing images and video captured by the image sensor 134.

It will be appreciated that the illustrated camera system 100 is merelyexemplary, and that the camera system can include fewer or morecomponents that what is shown and described herein. For example, thecamera system 100 can optionally include a microphone or any othercomponent typically found in a digital camera. In some embodiments, thecamera system 100 can have all of the features of a typical high qualitycompact or DSLR camera, just without a user interface. By way of furtherexample, the camera system 100 can optionally include an integral flash142, or a flash interface 144 configured to physically and/oroperatively couple the camera system to an external flash 146.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a camera system 100with an external flash 146. The external flash 146 includes a housing148 with a light source 150 (e.g., one or more LEDs or incandescentbulbs) that can be actuated to illuminate a scene in connection withphoto or video capture. The external flash 146 can also include acapacitor, battery, or other power source to power the light source 150.The external flash 146 can be mechanically and electrically coupled tothe camera system 100 by any of a variety of connectors, includingmicro-USB, mini-USB, Apple® 30-pin, Apple® Lightning port, and stereo,mono, or multi-conductor “headphone” or “jack” connectors. The camerasystem 100 can include an external flash interface 144 disposed on anedge of the housing 114 which is opposite to the edge on which themobile device interface 118 is disposed, as shown in FIG. 8A.Alternatively, or in addition, the camera system 100 can include anexternal flash interface 144 disposed on an edge of the housing which isadjacent to the edge on which the mobile device interface 118 isdisposed, as shown in FIG. 8B. The camera system 100 can provide powerand control instructions or signals to the external flash 146 throughthe external flash interface 144.

As noted above, the camera system 100 can be mechanically andelectrically coupled, connected, and/or attached to the mobile device102 via a connector system configured to mate the peripheral interface110 of the mobile device with the mobile device interface 118 of thecamera system. This connection can be the sole connection between thecamera system 100 and the mobile device 102, or can be replaced oraugmented by one or more other connection systems. Such connectionsystems can help stabilize the camera system 100 relative to the mobiledevice 102 for higher quality image and video capture.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the camera system 100 can include acradle 152 configured to receive at least a portion of the housing 112of the mobile device 102. The cradle 152 can be formed integrally withthe housing 114 of the camera system 100 or can be coupled thereto usingany of a variety of attachment techniques, such as adhesives, screws,interference fits, threaded connections, sonic-welding, electronicconnectors of the type described above, etc. In the illustratedembodiment, the cradle 152 includes a base with four sidewalls thatdefine a cavity which is substantially a negative of the externaldimensions of a lower portion of the mobile device 102. The cradle 152can be formed of an elastomeric material such as silicone and candimensioned to receive the mobile device 102 in a slight interferencefit, such that friction acts to maintain attachment between the mobiledevice and the camera system 100. The camera system 100 is shown with anattached mobile device 102 in FIGS. 9B-9C. As shown in FIGS. 9D-9E, thecradle 152 can be selectively attachable to the camera system 100, andcan include a connector 153 for mating with the mobile device interface118 of the camera system and a connector 155 for mating with theperipheral interface 110 of the mobile device 102. The cradle 152 canthus serve as an intermediate coupling between the camera system 100 andthe mobile device 102. Alternatively, the cradle 152 can serve as apass-through coupling such that a male connector of the mobile device102 or the camera system 100 extends through the cradle to engage thecounterpart device.

By way of further example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the camera system 100can include a platform 154 configured to abut a sidewall of the mobiledevice 102 when the camera system is attached to the mobile device. Theplatform 154 can be formed integrally with the housing 114 of the camerasystem 100 or can be coupled thereto using any of a variety ofattachment techniques, such as adhesives, screws, interference fits,threaded connections, sonic-welding, etc. The platform 154 can includeone or more connection features 156 configured to mechanically couplethe camera system 100 to the mobile device 102. In some embodiments, theconnection features 156 can include magnets configured to exert anattractive force on the mobile device's chassis or other metalcomponents. The mobile device 102 can also include counterpart magnetssuch that the platform 154 and the mobile device are mutually attractedto one another. Various other connection features can be used instead orin addition, including hooks, straps, screws, and so forth. The camerasystem 100 is shown with an attached mobile device 102 in FIGS. 10B-10C.As shown in FIGS. 10D-10E, the platform 154 can be selectivelyattachable to the camera system 100, and can include a connector 157 formating with the mobile device interface 118 of the camera system and aconnector 159 for mating with the peripheral interface 110 of the mobiledevice 102. The platform 154 can thus serve as an intermediate couplingbetween the camera system 100 and the mobile device 102. Alternatively,the platform 154 can serve as a pass-through coupling such that a maleconnector of the mobile device 102 or the camera system 100 extendsthrough the platform to engage the counterpart device.

The camera system 100 can include or can be provided with a softwareapplication installed on the mobile device 102 to provide a userinterface through which a user can use the camera system and adjustvarious parameters of the camera system such as focus, zoom, aperture,shutter speed, flash, etc. In some embodiments, the application can belaunched automatically when the camera system 100 is coupled to themobile device 102. A user can also launch the application by selecting acamera application icon 158 as shown in FIG. 11A.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the user interface can include a capture button160 which can be actuated by a user to capture a still image or, when ina video capture mode, to start or stop recording of video. The userinterface can also include a viewfinder display area 162 where areal-time feed of images captured by the image sensor 134 can bedisplayed. The user interface can also include a toolbar 164 with aplurality of buttons for selecting various functions of the camerasystem 100. The toolbar 164 can be displayed along a vertical edge ofthe mobile device's display screen 104, as shown in FIG. 11B, or in anyother orientation or position on the display screen. In the illustratedembodiment, the toolbar 164 includes a zoom button 166, an aperturebutton 168, a shutter speed button 170, a flash button 172, and settingsbutton 174, though it will be appreciated that fewer or more buttons canbe included in the toolbar.

As shown in FIGS. 11B-11C, selection of the zoom button 166 by a usercauses a zoom slider control 176 to be displayed along a horizontal edgeof the display screen 104. The user can swipe left or right on the zoomslider control 176 to zoom in or out. When the slider control 176 isactuated by a user, the processor 120 sends a signal through theperipheral interface 110 and the mobile device interface 118 to the lenscontroller 136 instructing the lens controller to adjust the zoom of thelens 116.

As shown in FIG. 11D-11E, selection of the aperture button 168 by a usercauses an aperture slider control 178 to be displayed along a horizontaledge of the display screen 104. The user can swipe left or right on theaperture slider 178 to increase or decrease the lens aperture size. Whenthe slider control 178 is actuated by a user, the processor 120 sends asignal through the peripheral interface 110 and the mobile deviceinterface 118 to the lens controller 136 instructing the lens controllerto adjust the aperture of the lens 116.

As shown in FIG. 11F-11G, selection of the shutter speed button 170 by auser causes an shutter speed slider control 180 to be displayed along ahorizontal edge of the display screen 104. The user can swipe left orright on the slider 180 to increase or decrease the lens shutter speed.When the slider control 180 is actuated by a user, the processor 120sends a signal through the peripheral interface 110 and the mobiledevice interface 118 to the lens controller 136 instructing the lenscontroller to adjust the shutter speed of the lens 116.

Selection of the flash button 172 can cause various controls foradjusting the flash 108/142/146 to be displayed, such as controls forturning the flash off, turning the flash on, setting the flash to anautomatic mode, adjusting the intensity of the flash, adjusting thetiming of the flash, etc.

Selection of the settings button 174 can cause various controls foradjusting the camera system 100 to be displayed, such as controls forselecting whether or not to use an on-board storage of the camerasystem, updating the camera application software, changing theresolution or video quality settings of the camera system, etc.

The user interface can also include controls for adjusting luminosity,applying special effects, and turning automatic focusing on or off. Ifthe camera system 100 includes an onboard battery or memory, the userinterface can display indicators showing the amount of battery liferemaining or the amount of free memory space remaining.

Once the user has adjusted the camera system 100 to the desiredsettings, or at any other desired time, the user can actuate the capturebutton 160 to capture a still image, to start video recording, or tostop video recording if video recording has already begun. Uponactuation of the capture button 160, the processor 120 sendsinstructions to the camera system, via the peripheral interface 110 andthe mobile device interface 118 to perform an image capture operation.The captured image or video can then be transmitted to the mobile device102 for display or playback on the user interface.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary method of operating the camera system100 and mobile device 102. While various methods disclosed herein may beshown in relation to a flowchart or flowcharts, it should be noted thatany ordering of method steps implied by such flowcharts or thedescription thereof is not to be construed as limiting the method toperforming the steps in that order. Rather, the various steps of each ofthe methods disclosed herein can be performed in any of a variety ofsequences. In addition, as the illustrated flowchart(s) are merelyexemplary embodiments, various other methods that include additionalsteps or include fewer steps than illustrated are also within the scopeof the present invention.

The illustrated method begins at step S1200, in which the camera system100 is coupled to the mobile device 102, for example by inserting a maleelectrical connector of the camera system into a counterpart femaleconnector of the mobile device. Coupling the camera system 100 to themobile device 102 can also include positioning the mobile device withina cradle 152 of the camera system, or attaching a platform 154 of thecamera system to the mobile device using magnetic attraction or someother attachment mechanism 156.

In step S1202, camera application software is launched. The software canbe launched automatically when the camera system 100 is coupled to themobile device 102 (e.g., in response to completion of a circuit when thecamera system is mechanically and electrically attached to the mobiledevice, or in response to a signal received by the processor 120 of themobile device indicating that the camera system has been coupled). Thesoftware can also be launched manually by user selection of a cameraapplication icon 158 using the touch-enabled display 104 or a hardwarebutton 106 of the mobile device. The camera system 100 can be configuredto communicate image data captured by the image sensor 134 in real timeto the mobile device 102 via the mobile device interface 118 and theperipheral interface 110 to allow the mobile device to serve as aviewfinder for the camera system (e.g., by displaying the real-time feedin an area 162 of the user interface). In other words, a real-time imageof the scene at which the lens 116 is directed, as received and/orprocessed by the image sensor 134, can be displayed on the displayscreen 104 of the mobile device 102.

In step S1204, user interface controls of the camera applicationsoftware can be actuated using the touch enabled display 104 or thehardware buttons 106 of the mobile device 102 to adjust various settingssuch as focus, zoom, aperture, shutter speed, flash, luminosity, stillimage capture mode, video capture mode, etc., as described above. Theprocessor 120 of the mobile device 102 can receive user inputs to thecamera application software and transmit corresponding instructions tothe camera system 100. For example, the processor 120 can sendinstructions to the lens controller 136 of the camera system 100 throughthe peripheral interface 110 and the mobile device interface 118. Theinstructions can instruct the camera system 100 to adjust variousparameters of the lens 116, image sensor 134, flash 142/146, etc.

In step S1206, user interface controls of the camera applicationsoftware can be actuated using the touch enabled display 104 or thehardware buttons 106 of the mobile device 102 to perform an imagecapture operation (e.g., to capture a still image or a video). Theprocessor 120 of the mobile device 102 can receive user inputs to thecamera application software and transmit corresponding instructions tothe camera system 100. For example, the processor 120 can sendinstructions to the lens controller 136 of the camera system 100 throughthe peripheral interface 110 and the mobile device interface 118. Theinstructions can instruct the camera system 100 to capture an image,start video capture, stop video capture, etc. When a flash function isenabled, the processor 120 can instruct the camera system 100 to actuatean onboard flash 142 or an external flash 146 coupled thereto.Alternatively, or in addition, the processor 120 can actuate the flash108 of the mobile device 102.

In step S1208, image data captured by the camera system 100 can bestored on a local memory of the camera system or transmitted to themobile device 102 for storage in the mobile device's storage unit 126.As used herein, image data can include still image data, video imagedata, and audio components of a video captured using a microphone (e.g.,a microphone of the camera system 100 or the mobile device's microphone132). In some embodiments, captured image data is transmitted throughthe mobile device interface 118 to the peripheral interface 110 of themobile device 102 for storage on the mobile device.

In step S1210, the mobile device 102 can be used to process, edit, orshare image data stored on the mobile device or on the camera system100.

The various functions performed by the camera software application canbe logically described as being performed by one or more modules. Itwill be appreciated that such modules can be implemented in hardware,software, or a combination thereof. It will further be appreciated that,when implemented in software, modules can be part of a single program orone or more separate programs, and can be implemented in a variety ofcontexts (e.g., as part of an operating system, a device driver, astandalone application, and/or combinations thereof). In addition,software embodying one or more modules can be stored as an executableprogram on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums.

Although the invention has been described by reference to specificembodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be madewithin the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described.Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to thedescribed embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by thelanguage of the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A camera system, comprising: a camerahousing; a lens mounted in the housing and configured to direct lightonto an image sensor disposed within the housing, the lens having anadjustable focal length, aperture, and shutter speed and beingpositionable in at least a fully-retracted position and a fully-extendedposition; a power source configured to power extension and retraction ofthe lens, wherein the power source automatically retracts the lens whenthe camera system is disconnected from a mobile device, the power sourcecomprising at least one of a battery and a capacitor; a cradleconfigured to receive at least a portion of a mobile device, the cradlecomprising a base and four sidewalls that define a recess which is asubstantial negative of at least a portion of a mobile device and beingconfigured to receive a mobile device in an interference fit; and amobile device connector at least partially disposed within the cradleand configured to mechanically and electrically couple the camera systemto a mobile device; wherein the housing has a length of about 1 cmgreater than an external diameter of the lens and wherein the housinghas a width of about 1 cm greater than the external diameter of thelens; and wherein the camera system does not include a user interface.2. The camera system of claim 1, wherein the camera system does notinclude a storage medium and is instead configured to transmit capturedimage data through the connector to a mobile device for storage on themobile device when the camera system is coupled to the mobile device. 3.The camera system of claim 1, wherein the camera system does not includea shutter button or a display screen.
 4. The camera system of claim 1,wherein the connector comprises at least one of a micro-USB connector, amini-USB connector, an Apple® 30-pin connector, an Apple® Lightning portconnector, and a jack connector.
 5. The camera system of claim 1,wherein the image sensor has a resolution of at least about 10megapixels.
 6. The camera system of claim 1, wherein the lens has amechanical shutter.
 7. The camera system of claim 1, wherein the housinghas a length of less than about six centimeters, a width of less thanabout six centimeters, and a depth of less than about two centimeters.8. The camera system of claim 1, further comprising an external flashconnector and an external flash configured to be electrically andmechanically coupled to the camera housing by the external flashconnector.
 9. The camera system of claim 8, wherein the external flashconnector is disposed along an edge of the camera housing that isopposite from an edge of the camera housing along which the mobiledevice connector is disposed.
 10. The camera system of claim 8, whereinthe external flash connector is disposed along an edge of the camerahousing that is adjacent to an edge of the camera housing along whichthe mobile device connector is disposed.
 11. The camera system of claim1, wherein the cradle is formed from an elastomeric material.